S/Ced MM the best all around car?

[BillyGman]

What do you guys think is the best all around car? What I mean by all around car, is a car that does it all. One that would be fine for the snow, the daily commute to work, a shopping spree, a dinner date, a long interstate trip w/the family, while at the same time being capable of 12 second quartermile ET's all day long at the dragstrip, and can also handle pretty decent around the corners on the public roads too. And also one that looks good. Good enough to get stares and attention from people of both genders, and of all age groups.

I'd have to say that there hasn't been any car that I've owned that has lived up to all of that, other than my S/Ced Marauder. This car simply does it all. Sure, you have pick-up trucks that can be used for plowing snow, and carting lumber back and forth for that home project, but they aren't as fast, nor as nice looking as the S/Ced Marauder, nor can they handle the corners like Marauders can because of their extra weight. Then you have a Vette, or a Camaro or a Mustang that can out-handle the Marauder, but you wouldn't want to drive any of those cars in the snow, nor do those cars have a big trunk capacity like the Marauder does which can be filled up with groceries or whatever. And when it comes to an interstate trip with the family, those other smaller cars aren't as comfortable on long drives as the Marauder is, nor can they accomadate 4 or 5 passengers as well, if at all.

And then you have numerous economy cars that will get much better gas mileage than the S/Ced Marauder will (ie. Hondas, Volkswagons, Focus, etc., etc., etc...) and some of those cars can be modified to blast down the quartermile as quickly as a S/Ced Marauder does too. But they wouldn't be as comfortable for the family during long trips as the Marauder would, nor do they look as good or get the attention that Marauders do.

So in light of those things mentioned, I'd have to say that a S/Ced Marauder has to be the best all-around car that I can think of, and definately by far the best do-everything car that I've ever had. Many people have several cars, so they might not have to own a car that does it all. But I guess it's because of the fact that I'm now down to only owning one vehicle, that this just stands out in my mind when it comes to cars. I welcome anyone's comments on this, but what do you other owners of S/Ced Marauders have to say about this? Have you ever owned another car that does it all like the Marauder does? If so, what cars were they?

Gas mileage in the teens
Looks great
dependable transportation for the daily commute
only pump gas required
Looks fantastic
handles very well for a big car
very comfortable for the driver and all his or her passengers on long trips
can easily be driven trhough snow storms w/decent snow tires
very competitive & impressive at the dragstrip w/12 second ET's.
a blast to drive on the street, & quite a "sleeper"

[Smokie]

Billy I love our cars but I would have to say no, unless you place a price range limit...the high-powered large german sedans would be best all around....still if you keep the game below $45,000 I'm with you.

[duhtroll]

The only thing I would disagree with is the gas mileage thing, and that is only because of where gas prices are and seem to be going.

However, one day in advisory (kind of a homeroom thing) my kids ask me "If you had millions of dollars and could drive any car, what would it be."

I said, "I'm driving it."

-A

[Rider90]

I was very impressed when I drove this home to detail it...
http://www.mbusa.com/media/images/main/models/gallery/photo_gallery/e/sedan_ext_2_main.jpg
http://www.mbusa.com/media/images/main/models/gallery/photo_gallery/e/sedan_int_3_main.jpg
But it would depend on the price range, sorta like what Smokie said, but often when I drive the Marauder around I feel it is a great daily driver just how it is (after some basic mods)

[BillyGman]

Okay guys. Thanks for your replies. :up: I guess part of the opinion I shared in my first post has something to do with how the car looks too. And that's ofcourse in the eyes of the beholder, and is therefore based on opinion. I think that the Marauder looks a whole lot better than most cars that are made today, including almost every car that costs over $100,000 which can also seat 5 people. The only acception that I can think of would be that S/Ced Jaguar that they came out with in 2004 (can't remember the call letters...maybe "XJS" ). But again, that's based on my opinion. I just doubt very much that those high priced Mercedes, and BMW's attract as much attention as Marauders do while driving them down the street, so if I'm correct on that, then maybe I'm not alone in my opinion concerning the Marauder being a nicer looking car. ;)

[the_pack_rat]

If someone wants to give me a Trilogy S/C ...

I'd be more than happy to re-visit this topic & let you know.

:lol:

[StevenJ]

I wouldn't touch any Mercedes or any BMW more expensive than a 3 series due to all the over enginering and electrical problems thoose cars have. Mercedes especially are electrical nightmares! Germans over complicate their cars which makes them very expensive to get fixed and very hard to repair when something goes wrong. Yes our Marauders certainly aren't gadgetriffic like thoose cars but atleast we got all the key essentails, cold a/c, smooth ride, a cd player, electronic compas, keyless entry, and comfortable seats. Though, the car's stock sound system sucks, I swear it has 0 bass! Other than that, I'm happy. Don't get me started on VW/Audi! Anything with VW branded on it is C-R-A-P~! Yeah sure they have excellent fit and finish but ask anyone who has owned a recent VW product and have driven their car past 30k, would they buy another one? I guarentee you they will say no and JD Power and Associates has the data to back that up.

[sailsmen]

The BMW V-8 need a new block every 20K miles.

[Rob1559]

I will go with The Jag XJ Super V8

[ADE 1000]

Calling a S/C Marauder the best overall car is a bit of a stretch, especially if cost is no object. The following is list cars ( most a lot more expensive) that meet the same criteria:

- Mercedes AMG E55, S55, S600, S65
- BMW M5
- Audi RS4, RS6
- Cadillac CTS-V, STS-V
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo
- Jaguar XJR, Super V-8
- Maserati Quattroporte
- Chrysler/Dodge SRT-8s
- Bentley Arnage, Continental Flying Spur
- Maybach 57s

My automotive tastes lean heavily towards the Detroit side of things, but even I would not be willing to claim that the Marauder is in the same class as some of the expensive foreign iron.

[beemer]

The BMW V-8 need a new block every 20K miles.

Misinformation.

In the early 90's BMW used a coating in the cylinder bores called Nikasil which they have used on the motorcycles for years without a problem.

Some V-8 Nikasil blocks in 93-95 540i and 740i sedans had trouble with gas with high sulphur content wearing away the coating. Most of these with this issue were replaced at no cost by BMW.

I personally owned a '94 740i and drove well over 100K miles on the original Nikasil block without any problem, and the current owner of my 740i at 180K miles is not having any problem.

Please be sure to get your facts straight, thanks!

Best,

Paul :D

[Dan]

I wouldn't touch any Mercedes or any BMW more expensive than a 3 series due to all the over enginering and electrical problems thoose cars have. Mercedes especially are electrical nightmares! Germans over complicate their cars which makes them very expensive to get fixed and very hard to repair when something goes wrong. Yes our Marauders certainly aren't gadgetriffic like thoose cars but atleast we got all the key essentails, cold a/c, smooth ride, a cd player, electronic compas, keyless entry, and comfortable seats. Though, the car's stock sound system sucks, I swear it has 0 bass! Other than that, I'm happy. Don't get me started on VW/Audi! Anything with VW branded on it is C-R-A-P~! Yeah sure they have excellent fit and finish but ask anyone who has owned a recent VW product and have driven their car past 30k, would they buy another one? I guarentee you they will say no and JD Power and Associates has the data to back that up.

I have owned two BMW's and both were late 80's/early 90's cars. I never once had any electrical problems and I found that repair costs on them were comparable to other cars.

My wife and I owned a used Mercedes before the Bimmers. Again, no electrical or reliability problems to speak of.

As far as engineering goes, I don't know what brought that comment about. Both of these marques are known worldwide for their engineering. After over 100K each on my BMWs I never had one issue. I am coming up to 34K on my MM and have squeaks and rattles in the car which are going to require a dealer to repair while still under warranty.

I love my Marauder and I hope to never have to part with it but if it were not for the fact that a comparably sized V8 powered BMW costs so much I would have purchased one of those, instead.

Dan

[MarauderMarc]

Id have to agree with BillyG....A supercharged MM will bet more stares than any BMW or Mercedes because theyy are so common....With a 35k sticker and 15k worth of mods, you can have a compareable if not better ride than the others (excluding the 80k and up crowd)....For an almost 3 year old car, I still get stares, compliments, questions, ect. Try that with a BMW....Short of hauling large things, you can do most of everything in a MM.....Amen to Rev. BillyG!!!!!!

[BillyGman]

. I am coming up to 34K on my MM and have squeaks and rattles in the car which are going to require a dealer to repair while still under warranty.

Hmmm, that's funny....I have 32,000 miles on mine and not one rattle or squeek, and I've driven mine daily through two winters now. I had one squeek, which turned out to be the rubber hex head stops under the hood, which merely needed to be adjusted since they were never adjusted correctly from the time I bought the car. I fixed that. Took me about 15 minutes.

[BillyGman]

Id have to agree with BillyG....A supercharged MM will get more stares than any BMW or Mercedes....... ...For an almost 3 year old car, I still get stares, compliments, questions, ect. Try that with a BMW....Short of hauling large things, you can do most of everything in a MM.....Amen to Rev. BillyG!!!!!!AAAAHHH, atleast somebody here shares my enthusiasm for this car. All those other cars you guys listed w/the exception of the S/Ced Jag don't look nearly as good as the Marauder does IMO.If you guys think those other cars look as good as the Marauder does, then what are you doinfg driving a Marauder? I'm begining to get the impression that many of you don't even like the Marauder all that much, but merely liked the sticker price, so you bought one. :rolleyes:

I don't mind a couple opposing viewpoints, but I must say that I'm a bit surprised that the majority of you like beemers (:puke: ) and Mercedes cars more than you like Marauders. Uhmm, is this still a "Marauder" board?

[Dan]

AAAAHHH, atleast somebody here shares my enthusiasm for this car. All those other cars you guys listed w/the exception of the S/Ced Jag don't look nearly as good as the Marauder does IMO.If you guys think those other cars look as good as the Marauder does, then what are you doinfg driving a Marauder? I'm begining to get the impression that many of you don't even like the Marauder all that much, but merely liked the sticker price, so you bought one. :rolleyes:

I don't mind a couple opposing viewpoints, but I must say that I'm a bit surprised that the majority of you like beemers (:puke: ) and Mercedes cars more than you like Marauders. Uhmm, is this still a "Marauder" board?

Reverend Bill,

Didn't anyone ever tell you, "Don't drink the Kool-Aid?" :lol:

Or are you asking us to drink it? Hmmm. :)

Just mild teasing there, Bill. Or is is Father? :lol:

Best,

Dan

[StevenJ]

I have owned two BMW's and both were late 80's/early 90's cars. I never once had any electrical problems and I found that repair costs on them were comparable to other cars.

My wife and I owned a used Mercedes before the Bimmers. Again, no electrical or reliability problems to speak of.

As far as engineering goes, I don't know what brought that comment about. Both of these marques are known worldwide for their engineering. After over 100K each on my BMWs I never had one issue. I am coming up to 34K on my MM and have squeaks and rattles in the car which are going to require a dealer to repair while still under warranty.

I love my Marauder and I hope to never have to part with it but if it were not for the fact that a comparably sized V8 powered BMW costs so much I would have purchased one of those, instead.

Dan
I'm not talking about that era Mercs and Beemers. I know the early 90s and earlier stuff runs forever. I'm talking about the 2000 and newer cars. Thoose cars are plagued with electronical problems.

[ADE 1000]

AAAAHHH, atleast somebody here shares my enthusiasm for this car. All those other cars you guys listed w/the exception of the S/Ced Jag don't look nearly as good as the Marauder does IMO.If you guys think those other cars look as good as the Marauder does, then what are you doinfg driving a Marauder? I'm begining to get the impression that many of you don't even like the Marauder all that much, but merely liked the sticker price, so you bought one. :rolleyes:

I don't mind a couple opposing viewpoints, but I must say that I'm a bit surprised that the majority of you like beemers (:puke: ) and Mercedes cars more than you like Marauders. Uhmm, is this still a "Marauder" board?

Just because people present opposing viewpoints, they do not share your enthusiasm for the Marauder? That is quite a conclusion to jump to.

I would never buy a BMW or Mercedes, just not my style. But I have driven a lot of them and I do respect them for what they are. In any case, I could not say that a Marauder (no matter how heavily modded) is a better car than an M5 or E55 with a straight face.

As for the whole quality debate, I think the German cars get a lot more credit than they deserve. My moms 17K mile Mercedes E500 has more squeaks, rattles, and trips to the dealer in two years than both my Corvette and Marauder combined. I won't even begin to chronicle the problems friends have had with the new 7-series BMWs.

[gpfarrell]

Congrats on an explosively interesting but (fairly) well-behaved thread.

As you can see from my signature, I like most everything that doesn't have a bow tie on the grille or an owner's manual written in french.

"Best all around car" is a dangerously vague claim to fame, but I think a supercharged Marauder can hold its head high is such discussions.

The balance of performance, comfort, and practicality are all there... but Baskin-Robbins isn't in business because we all like Chocolate the best, so picking a pure winner would be nasty business.

Dan's description above on the BMW V8's is true... it was 10 years ago and BMW replaced most of them under a warrantee they extended voluntarily.

The electirical glitches can also happen though. At 122,000 miles, the memory seat in our BMW doesn't always put the steering wheel back in my wife's favorite position... the Maruader will never have that problem because Ford didn't give us that feature. However, lots of the other electronic gizmos on our 7 year old, 122,000 mile BMW, like the windows you can lower with the key fob, or the "avg. speed", or "avg. mpg", or "miles to empty" all work great. The wipers that automatically switch from from normal speed to intermittent at red lights, and then resume normal speed again as you pull away work fine too. I enjoy these clever things... they don't make it a performance car, but I still like them. Not really fair to compare malfunctioning features in German cars to our Marauder's... that sadly didn't offer the features at all.

I think an M5 would be a serious contender, or a pre-I-drive BMW 7 series sport package car. But among the 3, I picked the Maruader and I'm looking forward to calling the supercharger people someday.

To each his or her own. I hang out here because I like the Marauders, but if I could only like the Maruader I'd have to spit out the Kool-Aid!

Cheers,
Greg

[wchain]

Misinformation.

In the early 90's BMW used a coating in the cylinder bores called Nikasil which they have used on the motorcycles for years without a problem.

Some V-8 Nikasil blocks in 93-95 540i and 740i sedans had trouble with gas with high sulphur content wearing away the coating. Most of these with this issue were replaced at no cost by BMW.

I personally owned a '94 740i and drove well over 100K miles on the original Nikasil block without any problem, and the current owner of my 740i at 180K miles is not having any problem.

Please be sure to get your facts straight, thanks!

Best,

Paul :D


^^^
What Beemer said. Mother had a 93 740i, same issue. Replaced the engine at 18K and never looked back!

[Shora]

I'm not talking about that era Mercs and Beemers. I know the early 90s and earlier stuff runs forever. I'm talking about the 2000 and newer cars. Thoose cars are plagued with electronical problems.My brother's VW GTI has been to the dealer 14 times in the nine months that he has owned it (bought brand new (http://stphork.com/?go=brand+new&url1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercurym arauder.net%2Fforums%2Fnewrepl y.php&pin=10001)). He is working on the lemon law (http://krimbaset.com/?go=lemon+law&url1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercurym arauder.net%2Fforums%2Fnewrepl y.php&pin=10001) in hopes of changing it.

[Sully008]

I for one have always liked the MM since I first saw the Speedvision special. To me, it's got that "look" to it. I've had a lot of people stare at the wheels, and I watch in my rear view mirror people mouthing the words in cars behind me, "what kind of car is that?" then the other person would squint and read "Marauder??"

I couldn't care less if the car had active suspension, or electro gizmo that or a mpg meter. If I couldn't control the car based on my driving ability, then I shouldn't be driving.

For me, there is only one thing missing from my Marauder and that's a S/C. And there's nothing out there for me in any price range with that "look".

[BillyGman]

Reverend Bill,

Didn't anyone ever tell you, "Don't drink the Kool-Aid?" :lol:

Or are you asking us to drink it? Hmmm. :)

Just mild teasing there, Bill. Or is is Father? :lol:

Best,

DanNo offense taken Danny boy. After all, it's only cars we're talking about, and opinions will vary. ;)

[Dan]

Thank you, Father. I feared that I had sinned. :lol:

But seriously, I think that Father Bill is a good nickname for you. Father Bill, the High Priest of the Marauder Goodness. :up:

Best,

Dan

[BillyGman]

Just because people present opposing viewpoints, they do not share your enthusiasm for the Marauder? That is quite a conclusion to jump to. Let me be a little more specific, and then maybe you might understand where I'm coming from on this...... the first thing I have tolike about a car before I can evern consider anything else about it, is how good it looks (ie. it's body style). And I've yet to see any BMW or Mercedes cars that look as good as a Marauder does. especially one with the P305/45/18 tires on the back! that's MY opinion, like it or not.;)

. In any case, I could not say that a Marauder (no matter how heavily modded) is a better car than an M5 or E55 with a straight face.

Have you ever driven a Supercharged Marauder? Particularly on a daily basis? if not, then I think you would better understand and relate to my veiwpoint if you did.;)

[BillyGman]

Thank you, Father. I feared that I had sinned. :lol:

But seriously, I think that Father Bill is a good nickname for you. Father Bill, the High Priest of the Marauder Goodness. :up:

Best,

DanLOL......... c'mon ,where the heck did this "father" stuff come into play here? I didn't think that I was talking down to anyone here, was I? I've been outspoken and even opinionated, yes, but not condescending.:confused:

[BillyGman]

Congrats on an explosively interesting but (fairly) well-behaved thread.Thankyou. I've tried. :D


"Best all around car" is a dangerously vague claim to fame,Yes it would be. And that's why I went into great explanation in my furst post in this thread. And I'm considering the Marauders looks just as much as it's blinding speed in it's SUPERCHARGED form. ;) ..... but I think a supercharged Marauder can hold its head high is such discussions.

Yes, it can. If someone doesn't think so, then I don't think they've driven a S/Ced Marauder for any length of time if at all.:)

[04MEMA]

My brother's VW GTI has been to the dealer 14 times in the nine months that he has owned it (bought brand new (http://stphork.com/?go=brand+new&url1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercurym arauder.net%2Fforums%2Fnewrepl y.php&pin=10001)). He is working on the lemon law (http://krimbaset.com/?go=lemon+law&url1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercurym arauder.net%2Fforums%2Fnewrepl y.php&pin=10001) in hopes of changing it.

I have not owned a German car. My step mother and father owned a late 80's or early 90's Audi 90 (100k+ miles). They loved the car but the cost of repairs was too high. It wasn't that the car was always breaking, just when things broke it was very expensive. I was told that a used rear power window motor was like $700. And they had just spent around $1000 on the A/C system within the last year. Seeing as the car was only worth maybe $5k they ended up replacing the car with a new Grand Prix but their experience didn't prevent them from buying a used TT years later.


Before buying my MM I thought about getting a used 750iL, 5 series (540 or M5) or XKR but I didn't want to deal with the potentially high cost repairs. And the other German car I considered - the Dodge Magnum was far more expensive then the MM, and I couldn't justify that. I still think a black Magnum SRT is killer looking and awfullly fast right out of the box. Years ago Chevy had a Nomad concept with a V8 and rear wheel drive, they were ahead of the curve on that car seeing how popular the Magnum is becoming. But of course Chevy didn't build it. DUH! Nomad pic: (http://www.seriouswheels.com/1990-1999/1999-Chevrolet-Nomad-Concept-FA-Study-1024x768.htm)

As far as the VW thing goes - I recently read this article written by a mechanic. Interesting stuff.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enthusiasts/Mechanics_Tale/Mechanics_Tale_VW_Heal_Thyself .S281.A9081.html

Billy, I think for the price I paid and the return I've seen from the MM it was the best choice for me. It really does alot of things well, most of all consistently puts a ***** eatin' grin on my face! :D



Jeff

[Eric91Z]

Well, I think 04MEMA and I are kind of in the same boat. And I would have to agree with BillyGMan, that given a certain budget and looking for something with certain performance potential, that the Marauder is one of the best all around cars.

Now, in the last 2 years since I first found this website, saw my first Marauder commercial on TV, and test drove my first Marauder, I have researched a lot of cars. Given what I am looking for: daily driver, room for a family of 4 including our 2 month old, and all the stuff that goes along with it. Plus, being of stlightly larger stature, I wanted something I would be comfortable in on a daily basis and something I could have a little fun modding. In my search, here is the short list of what all I have considered other than the Marauder:

1) Crown Vic LX Sport
2) Cadillac Seville STS
3) '96 Impala SS
4) BMW 540i
5) Dodge Magnum R/T
6) Dodge Charger R/T

For me, I need a car that will be reliable for my 100 mile per day commute and be able to go over 100,000 miles on a reliable platform with minimal problems (remember, my Honda Accord has 287,000 miles on it, all original, and still running great). Of the items on the above list, about the only ones I could see that happening with are the Impala SS and CV LX Sport. I have spent a lot of time on the Cadillac, BMW, and various Chrysler LX forums. biggest concern with the Cadillac and BWM are potentially high repair costs for any problem and, at least in the forums, the lack or proven long term, high mileage reliability. And the Dodge cars are too new to prove themselves. And for the money, I think you get a lot of car in the Marauder for the money. I just wish that I was ready to buy a year ago when you could by a brand new Marauder, loaded for the same price or less than used ones now. Oh well, guess that is how it works.

So, as an all around great daily driver, and a car that has good cupholders (especially compared to my list and cars others have mentioned), the Marauder is the one for me. Should be just a couple more weeks. I should have one by this time next month - as long as I find what I am looking for.

So, even if it is not S/C, I think this is one of the best cars out there from an all around stand point.

[Dan]

Bill,

The Father stuff came from the Kool Aid reference. I was joking that you had been drinking the Kool Aid and wanted us to do so, as well (a la the Reverend Jim Jones masscre).

So that was the reference. Nothing more. :)

Dan

[sailsmen]

My family owned 1976 2002, 1972 2002, 1976 530, 1981 528, 912, 356, 1978 928, 1980 928, 1971 914, 1974 914 and 1973 914.

They were a lot of fun to drive, expensive to keep up. Yes the fit and finish was better than US cars but they were no more reliable than US cars.

My Marauder is fun to drive, as reliable as the german cars and cost a lot less. :)

[ADE 1000]

Let me be a little more specific, and then maybe you might understand where I'm coming from on this...... the first thing I have tolike about a car before I can evern consider anything else about it, is how good it looks (ie. it's body style). And I've yet to see any BMW or Mercedes cars that look as good as a Marauder does. especially one with the P305/45/18 tires on the back! that's MY opinion, like it or not.


Have you ever driven a Supercharged Marauder? Particularly on a daily basis? if not, then I think you would better understand and relate to my veiwpoint if you did.;)

You posed a rather general question to begin with. If the criteria for this discussion was "best overall car as long as BillyGMan approves of its looks", you should have mentioned this caveat in the first place.

I have driven one supercharged Marauder (Trilogy #2). As for driving one on a daily basis, I am not sure how I could go about accomplishing that. Unless Hertz starts renting them or you lend me yours for a week. ;)

[MarauderMarc]

LOL......... c'mon ,where the heck did this "father" stuff come into play here? I didn't think that I was talking down to anyone here, was I? I've been outspoken and even opinionated, yes, but not condescending.:confused:

I will take responsibility for the father stuff.....the comments are in reference to the "Amen to Rev. BillyG" comment I made. Forgive me Rev., its better than Sister "G" right???:lol:

[BillyGman]

You posed a rather general question to begin with. If the criteria for this discussion was "best overall car as long as BillyGMan approves of its looks", you should have mentioned this caveat in the first place.

You're evading the issue. Perhaps your forte is politics. :D The point is, not if I like it's looks, but if YOU do. Get it? Do you think that any Beemers or Mercedes look better, or even as good as the Marauder does? If you do, then clearly state that. After all, you're entitled to your opinion. But I for one do not think a Beemer nor a Mercedes exists that's as good looking as the Marauder is, and if you're talking about a car that's supposed to be a best all-around, or a do everything car, then don't you think that in order for a car to be thought of as being best all around, it would have to look good also? I sure do.

[BillyGman]

its better than Sister "G" right???:lol:If you cannot tell the difference between the two, then perhaps some professional help may be in order. :baaa: :baaa: :baaa:

[ADE 1000]

You're evading the issue. Perhaps your forte is politics. :D The point is, not if I like it's looks, but if YOU do. Get it? Do you think that any Beemers or Mercedes look better, or even as good as the Marauder does? If you do, then clearly state that. After all, you're entitled to your opinion. But I for one do not think a Beemer nor a Mercedes exists that's as good looking as the Marauder is, and if you're talking about a car that's supposed to be a best all-around, or a do everything car, then don't you think that in order for a car to be thought of as being best all around, it would have to look good also? I sure do.

Evading the issue? I gave you a pretty comprehensive list fairly early on. In any case, let me try again.

I shortened the list by eliminating the ugly cars from my original. Here is a list of cars that I think look as good or better than the Marauder. Most have stock performance that is in the same ballpark as a supercharged Marauder, while some like the Mercedes S65 (604hp, 738 ft lbs) are in another league. Note that my definition of performance and driving enjoyment goes beyond the quarter mile.

- Mercedes AMG E55, S55, S600, S65
- BMW M5
- Audi RS6
- Cadillac CTS-V, STS-V
- Jaguar XJR, Super V-8
- Maserati Quattroporte
- Chrysler/Dodge SRT-8s
- Bentley Arnage T
- Maybach 57s

Any questions? :beatnik:

[gpfarrell]

I gave you a pretty comprehensive list fairly early on. In any case, let me try again.


- Mercedes AMG E55, S55, S600, S65
- BMW M5
- Audi RS6
- Cadillac CTS-V, STS-V
- Jaguar XJR, Super V-8
- Maserati Quatroporte
- Chrysler/Dodge SRT-8s
- Bentley Arnage T
- Maybach 57s

Any questions? :beatnik:

Compelling list. I'd be happy to have any in my garage if you gave them to me. If I'm spending my money on it though, the list gets narrowed down to an SRT-8 or maybe a CTS-V.

I'm frustrated by the ergonomics in the CTS-V... the parking brake release and hood release are within an inch of each other, and I'd find myself regularly opening the hood... uncool. Also, with an 18 month old and another due in January, size matters (hee-heee)

The SRT stuff is a bit unproven, and I like the Maruader interior more.

I can't wait until I'm driving my supercharged Marauder everyday... I think BillyG is having more fun than any of us.

[Canuk MM]

I'm new here. I have an '03 black MM I drive every day. So far it is stock. I think it is the best overall car for me and here is one reason that has not been mentioned in previous posts: Service! I was looking at a Jaguar XJR, but I live in a small town 170 miles (250 KM) from the nearest jag dealership. I talked to some jag owners and they said they take their car into the city for simple servicing to keep the warranty in place. The Jag salemen said the local Ford dealer could do the basic servicing but I may have to flatbed it into the city for major waranty work. Anyway I found the MM and felt it had as good of looks and sufficent power etc. Fewer gadgets but it has the essentials. Better truck space than the XJR but poorer sound system. The MM at the 1/2 the cost or less was a great buy and I get a lot more looks than I'm sure I would with a Jag.

[Rider90]

Compelling list. I'd be happy to have any in my garage if you gave them to me. If I'm spending my money on it though, the list gets narrowed down to an SRT-8 or maybe a CTS-V.

I'm frustrated by the ergonomics in the CTS-V... the parking brake release and hood release are within an inch of each other, and I'd find myself regularly opening the hood... uncool. Also, with an 18 month old and another due in January, size matters (hee-heee)

The SRT stuff is a bit unproven, and I like the Maruader interior more.

I can't wait until I'm driving my supercharged Marauder everyday... I think BillyG is having more fun than any of us.
The CTS-V is my dad's daily driver. Too many times I have gotten behind the wheel and popped the hood...uncool agreed.

[BillyGman]

- Mercedes AMG E55, S55, S600, S65
- BMW M5
- Audi RS6
- Cadillac CTS-V, STS-V
- Jaguar XJR, Super V-8
- Maserati Quattroporte
- Chrysler/Dodge SRT-8s
- Bentley Arnage T
- Maybach 57s

Any questions? :beatnik:Thanks for your post. I haven't any questions, because you've made your taste of cars clear, and I cannot debate with you about your taste, since it's your perogative, and I respect that. Although I don't have any questions, I do have a comment. With the one exception of the Jag in your list, every one of those cars IMO are just plain ugly, and no matter how fast they are, nor how much money they cost, I wouldn't be caught dead behind the wheel of any of them. :puke:

That's MY opinion. :) And the only one that I think is as good looking as the Marauder is (the S/Ced Jag) is NOT as fast as a S/Ced Marauder anyway. However, I think it is real cool to have a S/Ced car right from the factory. Like I previously stated, I guess that everyone here doesn't share the degree of enthusiasm for the Marauder that I have. From the first time that I layed eyes on the car, I had to have it!!! And that would not have been the case with any of those other cars in your list, even if I had the money. It's obvious that our tastes vary quite a bit. That Cadillac you've mentioned IMO is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen. I just cannot deal with that oval jellybean shape. The car has no style at all. It's very obvious that the designers of it's body style were only concerned with aerodynamics, and nothing else. :puke:


Atleast the Jag has a nice body style to it. Classy car, but with a smaller engine than the Marauder has, and atleast 60 HP less than a S/ced Marauder has, it's not as fast as a S/Ced Marauder. Again, thanks for sharing your opinions, and allowing me to share mine.

[ADE 1000]

Thanks for your post. I haven't any questions, because you've made your taste of cars clear, and I cannot debate with you about your taste, since it's your perogative, and I respect that. Although I don't have any questions, I do have a comment. With the one exception of the Jag in your list, every one of those cars IMO are just plain ugly, and no matter how fast they are, nor how much money they cost, I wouldn't be caught dead behind the wheel of any of them. :puke:

That's MY opinion. :) And the only one that I think is as good looking as the Marauder is (the S/Ced Jag) is NOT as fast as a S/Ced Marauder anyway. However, I think it is real cool to have a S/Ced car right from the factory. Like I previously stated, I guess that everyone here doesn't share the degree of enthusiasm for the Marauder that I have. From the first time that I layed eyes on the car, I had to have it!!! And that would not have been the case with any of those other cars in your list, even if I had the money. It's obvious that our tastes vary quite a bit. That Cadillac you've mentioned IMO is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen. I just cannot deal with that oval jellybean shape. The car has no style at all. It's very obvious that the designers of it's body style were only concerned with aerodynamics, and nothing else. :puke:


Atleast the Jag has a nice body style to it. Classy car, but with a smaller engine than the Marauder has, and atleast 60 HP less than a S/ced Marauder has, it's not as fast as a S/Ced Marauder. Again, thanks for sharing your opinions, and allowing me to share mine.

As you indicated, arguing over something as subjective as looks does not make sense. In any case, aside from the Cadillacs and the Maserati, I probably would not buy any of those other cars either. They might look as good to me and perform as well, but I would not buy them for a variety of other reasons (cost, image, etc..).

As for the XJR not being as fast as a supercharged Marauder, I think that is debatable depending on how you define a "supercharged Marauder." An XJR is a low to mid 13 second car. Unless I am misinformed, a Marauder with just a Trilogy supercharger is also a low to mid 13 second car. We all know what happens to the Maruader when we start adding further mods (drag radials, NOS, pulley changes, etc..). But I can't think of a reason why similiar mods would not have the same effect on the Jag. Yes it does have a smaller engine with less stock horsepower to begin with, but it is 300-400lbs lighter.

[beemer]

What a thread! LOL there's a place for all these cars mentioned. Who cares which is best. Comparing the Marauder to Euro imports is like apples and oranges~! .........both are great, but far from the same. I have different expectations from my BMW than my Marauder, and I enjoy both.........

Best,

Paul :D

[Skiordie53]

Just a note on the Jaguar you had mentioned earlier. The XJS was a v12 roadster in the late 70s-90s. we have on great car.

You arethinking of the XJR. My Grandfather has a 99. great car, have driven it before, and you can get a certified pre owned for under 40k. Jaguar gives you the best CPO warrenty in the business better then about all new car warrenties. as much as most of us here liek marauders, you cannot compare a supercharged Jaguar to a Sc/d Marauder. I'm waiting till my Grandpa gets bored of his so I can buy it from him. You really do get a much higher end car, not to diss the Marauder but too many small quality problems for a new car.

[BillyGman]

, you cannot compare a supercharged Jaguar to a Sc/d Marauder. I'm waiting till my Grandpa gets bored of his so I can buy it from him. You really do get a much higher end car, not to diss the Marauder but too many small quality problems for a new car.First, drive a S/Ced Marauder before you make such statements my friend. If you do, then you will have a new outlook, I assure you.;)

Second, do you think that Jags never had any "quality control" issues? And doesn't Ford own Jag now? And the Jag that I was talking about is the XJ, and the Super V8, both of which have been S/Ced from the factory since 2004. Nice cars, (still not quite as nice looking as the Marauder is IMO).They have 60 HP less than a baseline Trilogized Marauder has, as well as 20-30 ft/lbs less of torque than the baseline Trilogized Marauders do. The Super V8 is only 150 LBS lighter than the Marauder is, and the XJ is only 250 LBS lighter than the MM. However, the Jags come with 6 speed automatics, so that might make up for their power deficiency. Probably would be a very close race. They do 0-60 MPH in 5.0 seconds. Which is pretty respectable.:cool:

[Bradley G]

Maybe Jerry Barnes could shed some of his impression(s), I believe he has owned both cars mentioned.

The jist of a story he described, was the Jag was amazing fun but was a nightmare to maintain!
If the keys went up in the air, I know which ones I'd be reaching for!:D